Oral pathology & infection · Oakville

Clear answers about lumps, sores, cysts and jaw infections

If something in your mouth doesn’t look or feel right, a careful assessment brings answers and peace of mind. Our team includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons and an oral pathologist, and we diagnose and treat cysts, benign tumours, infections and other changes in the mouth and jaws.

  • Oral pathologist on our team
  • 3D CBCT imaging
  • Biopsies in our office
  • No referral needed
Surgeon reviewing a treatment plan with a patient
Your consultationAn exam, imaging if needed, and a clear explanation of what we find.
When to get checked

Signs that deserve a closer look

Most changes in the mouth turn out to be harmless, but some need treatment. These are worth having assessed.

A sore that doesn’t heal

Any ulcer, patch or sore still there after two weeks.

A lump or growth

Inside the mouth, on the gums, tongue, cheek or palate.

White or red patches

Areas that look different from the surrounding tissue.

Jaw pain or swelling

Persistent pain, swelling or tenderness in the jaw or face.

Pus or a bad taste

Drainage, a foul taste or odour from the gums.

Numbness or tingling

In the lip, chin or jaw, without a clear cause.

Go to the emergency department if you have facial swelling with fever, trouble swallowing or breathing, or swelling that is spreading quickly.

What we treat

Conditions of the mouth and jaws

Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs in the jaw or soft tissue, often found on X-rays around unerupted teeth.

Benign tumours

Non-cancerous growths that can still enlarge and damage nearby teeth or bone.

Infections

Abscesses and jaw infections from teeth, gums or previous surgery.

Changes in the lining

White or red patches, lumps and sores that need a diagnosis.

How we diagnose and treat

From first visit to follow-up

  1. 1
    Visit 1

    Exam and imaging

    A careful exam, with panoramic X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan when needed.

  2. 2
    If needed

    Biopsy

    A small tissue sample, taken with local anesthesia, is examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

  3. 3
    Results

    Your plan

    We explain the diagnosis and options: monitoring, medication, drainage or removal.

  4. 4
    Treatment

    Surgery if required

    With local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthesia. Most patients have mild, manageable discomfort.

  5. 5
    After

    Follow-up

    We check your healing and, where needed, monitor the area over time.

Your specialist team

Surgeons and an oral pathologist under one roof

DC
FRCD(C), Oral Pathology & Oral Medicine

Dr. Deepika Chugh

Oral pathologist. Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and associate staff at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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Dr. Martin Cloutier
DMD, MSc, FRCD(C), Dipl. ABOMS

Dr. Martin Cloutier

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesia at the University of Toronto.

Read profile
Questions

Oral pathology FAQ

Don’t see your question? Call us at (905) 582-2188.

Is every lump or cyst in the jaw dangerous?

No. Most are benign. But even benign cysts and growths can enlarge and damage teeth or bone, so it’s worth having them assessed.

What is a biopsy, and does it hurt?

A biopsy removes a small piece of tissue so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. It’s done with local anesthesia, and most people feel only mild soreness afterward.

How long do biopsy results take?

Usually one to two weeks. We’ll review the results with you and explain the next steps.

Does cyst or tumour removal hurt?

The area is fully numbed, and sedation or general anesthesia is available. Most patients describe mild, manageable discomfort for a few days.

How long does recovery take?

It depends on the size and location. Small procedures usually heal within one to two weeks; larger ones can take longer, and bone fills in over months.

What happens if a jaw infection goes untreated?

It can spread to nearby teeth, bone and the tissues of the face and neck, which can become serious. Facial swelling with fever needs prompt care.

What will it cost, and will insurance cover it?

It depends on what’s needed and on your plan. After your consultation we give you a written estimate, and we can send a pre-determination to your insurer before treatment. See Fees & insurance for details, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. If your dentist or doctor has X-rays or notes, ask them to send them to us.

Next step

Have it checked

An early assessment gives you answers and the widest range of options. No referral needed.